Faith & Mission

Justice & Advocacy

Never see a need without doing something about it.
- St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we aim to educate for justice and peace. As part of our holistic approach to justice and peace education, St Joseph's College engages with themes of justice and peace though the following:

Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders

Gregory Terrace recognises that we are members of a global community, connected by our humanity. Students participate in the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders program (EREBB) that is integrated into the curriculum, Service Ministry and Immersion programs. Experiences include face-to-face conversations in person or via Internet applications.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Our College is committed to the reconciliation with, and empowerment of, ATSI people and the celebration of our Indigenous heritage and culture. At the commencement of each year, term and special gathering, we acknowledge the country upon which we stand.

To this end, we celebrate Apology Day, National Reconciliation Week, Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week. Additionally, our students engage in and support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation during Book Week. Gregory Terrace students of proud ATSI heritage lead these occasions and events, supported by our local Indigenous elders.

ERA for Change (Edmund Rice Advocacy)

ERA For Change (Edmund Rice Advocacy) is a youth advocacy network, that stands for equality, human rights, and justice and solidarity with all people, and with the earth itself. ERA for Change draws on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Charter for Edmund Rice Education Australia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in articulating its focus.

Students participate in a range of programs that aim to stand arm in arm with other young people around the world, to share their stories with the wider community, and to ask world leaders to ensure their rights and their inherent human dignity are respected and upheld. These programs include

  • Lantern Parade
  • Say Not to Violence
  • Detention for Detention
  • Stella Fella & Bella
  • White Ribbon Day

EREA Justice & Peace in the Curriculum

Justice and peace themes are integrated across all subject areas, including Religious Education. To promote academic rigour and authenticity, the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Educating for Justice and Peace Framework is applied. This program fosters a holistic approach, integrating:

  • Head - reading the signs of the times
  • Heart - Nurturing Gospel compassion
  • Hands- undertaking prophetic action
  • Feet - moving to solidarity